The Sareini family gathers July 10 around the sign at the newly named Suzanne Sareini Manor, named after their patriarch and former Dearborn city council member.
Dearborn City Council President Michael Sareini (left) with his mother, honoree Suzanne Sareini, former Dearborn city council member, during the July 10 rededication of Hubbard Manor East to Suzanne Sareini Manor.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Former City Councilmember Suzanne Sareini was honored July 10 with the renaming of Hubbard Manor East in her honor, lessening a known racist’s legacy and honoring the first Arab-American council member.
Residents cheered from the front plaza and from the balconies, while Sareini family members and local politicians gathered for speeches and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, City Council President Michael Sareini, who is Suzanne Sareini’s son, and the honoree herself spoke to the assembled guests.
Hammoud said it was an honor to rename a building in honor of an individual who has accomplished so much for the community and its residents.
“I think it is safe to say that if there were no Suzanne Sareini, there would never have been a Michael Sareini,” he said amid laughter.
Hammoud also credited her for his political success.
“It speaks volumes to know that you shattered the ceiling of being the first Arab American woman elected in the country, that paved the way for so many of us to follow afterwards,” he said. “And not only were you just elected to office, but you were a trailblazer, and to this day we still receive stories from residents about the time you served.”
Hammoud said it was an honor to be able to rename the building while she was still active and with us.
“I think there’s nothing more beautiful than bringing the whole family today to recognize you,” he said.
Michael Sareini thanked the mayor and six of his his fellow councilmembers for supporting the renaming before voicing heartfelt praise to his mother.
“Mom, not bad for a young lady out of the South End who went to Salina School, went over to Fordson High School, and when there were only 4,000 Arab Americans registered to vote you broke the ceiling,” he said. “You ran in ’85 unsuccessfully. You did not quit. You ran again, and in ’89 you became the council vice president.”
Michael Sareini said she taught her children a lot, including not to keep score, and said she never reminded people what she did to help them when she ran for re-election, yet she continued to be re-elected.
“She organized the business district in the South End, which was the beginning of the Arab American Festival, which started on Dix Avenue,” he said.
Michael Sareini said that this was a great honor for his family.
“I wish and know that my dad is watching over us and seeing what is happening today, and my sister, God rest them both, her kids are here,” he said. “It means a lot to us.”
Michael Sareini said his father supported Suzanne and urged her to be a voice for the community.
Suzanne Sareini said the honor meant a lot to her and to her family.
“This city has meant so much to me,” she said. “I grew up in the South End and never thought I would run for office.”
Suzanne Sareini said that while you may not agree with all of your elected officials, they are there for the right reason.
“They are there because they care, they are there because they want to do better for you and your family,” she said. “So, let’s give all them a round of applause.”
Suzanne Sareini said it was very different for women in government when she first ran, and even more challenging for an Arabic Muslim.
“I had all this baggage that just didn’t fit the bill, but I thank God for the many people from the South End and all my family and friends who worked, so this honor is actually for all of you,” she said. “It’s for all of you that helped me get there and stay there for 24 years.”
Former Dearborn City Councilmember and honoree Suzanne Sareini (ninth from left) and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud (11th from left) cut the ceremonial ribbon July 10 during the rededication of Hubbard Manor East to Suzanne Sareini Manor.
Honoree and former Dearborn City Councilmember Suzanne Sareini (at podium) speaks July 10 at the rededication of the former Hubbard Manor East to Suzanne Sareini Manor.
Former Dearborn City Councilmember Suzanne Sareini (fifth from left), along with city officials, meets with residents July 10 outside the newly renamed Suzanne Sareini Manor.